Friends and family have recommended yoga, but don’t participate themselves. You wish to try a class and discover there are different types of yoga. Sanskrit style names don’t help you choose. This article will briefly describe some to find the right type of yoga.
The intention to start yoga reveals the goals you have which could be to lose weight, for instance. Holding poses and contorting the body into challenging positions tests your balance, but mind focus is priority during these exercises. Speak to others involved with the practice to understand physical exercise is not yoga’s objective.
Aside from the body, peace and thoughtfulness improvements are felt when you become engaged with new mindsets to the world.
Not a Typical Workout
Physical barriers to squat or reach your toes are visible, but calming the mind during these is not. The body appears still on the mat, but the brain is sprinting through many paths to find joy. Mental improvement is apparent to the individual who participates in yoga. Support yourself inside and outside of class to feel this reward.
Identify the yoga type which intrigues your mind and body most by reviewing the following. A standard overview of flow is next to each style.
Hatha Yoga – Learn Poses while Focusing on Thought
This class involves holding postures while focusing on breath flow throughout a practice. Overcome flexibility fears as you can only compare yourself to your past, not the person next to you on the floor. We all start as beginners advancing our levels through time practicing.
Yin Yoga – Long holds to aid body parts
Hatha holds poses for many breaths similar to yin yoga which can be longer stretches of time. This type centers on assisting the fascia (casing connecting body tissue) and sustaining joints. Choose this type for improved joint elasticity.
Iyengar – Posture Alignment
Stillness in each pose links breath, with focus on following proper alignment. To attain correct position, props assist a student (Read about blocks and straps to have as yoga equipment). Discuss physical sensitivities with instructor beforehand for a safe practice.
Kundalini – Spiritual
Meditation along with chanting energize the spirit. These guide students’ minds while in poses instead of muscle endurance. Physical demand is high from long holds, as a result this type is not recommended for a beginner.
Vinyasa – High energy
Welcome to the yoga I practice and instruct. This type flows breath from one pose to the next for more of a physical workout. There are much less holds in this style which adds cardio to each of the poses.
Ashtanga – Physically Demanding
Traditional ashtanga also pairs breathing with poses to control the body. Postures and stretching generate body heat which leads to a physical workout. This type is similar to vinyasa, but follows a set sequence the student aims to improve each practice.
Bikram – Heated Practice
Not recommended for beginners to learn poses while detoxifying the body. This style holds poses equivalent to hatha yoga while in a room heated to 104 degrees. This is not recommended for beginners learning poses. Follow safety precautions to avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion in bikram sessions.
Find the Right Yoga Type
You should have basic idea of which yoga type interests your body. There is likely more than one class which interests you. Try different styles always staying open to learning. Experience several sessions until you find a yoga type that satisfies you. Learn more about a class by speaking to the instructor. They will always guide you towards the appropriate level. Remember yoga is a mental practice, but this depends on your focus before, during and after a session.
One yoga hour interests your routine to set objectives. Find your class type and remember mental power is only strengthened through training.
